UK National implementation plan for the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants

The UK Government today published a consultation paper on a draft National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The Plan outlines what the UK is doing to meet its obligations under the Convention. Views are also sought on the draft UK Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs) Regulations 2007.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants entered into force on 17 May 2004. It is a global treaty signed by 151 Countries with the objective to protect human health and the environment from a range of 12 chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants. Due to the extreme persistence of these substances in the environment, and their ability to be transported to areas far from their place of use, global action is needed to control them.

The 12 chemicals include ten pesticides, whose use in the UK has already been tightly controlled. It also includes unintentionally produced chemicals - dioxins and furans, which have never been manufactured for use but may be formed during combustion processes. The National Implementation Plan contains a Dioxins Action Plan which outlines 13 activities to be taken forward by the UK to further reduce emissions.

The closing date for responses will be 19 March 2007.